Skin care tips for summer

1. Skin Exfoliation

It's so essential to exfoliate your skin. One's body sheds skin cells at an remarkable rate every single minute of each and every day. If you do not eliminate them, they will just sitting on your skin making you actually look dull and dry. Regardless of how much lotion you make use of, you're never going to have glowing skin if you do not exfoliate. Get a body scrub and hit the shower. Lightly rub your exfoliator in circular motions on your overall body from the shoulders down (you'll need a facial exfoliator for your face and neck) and rinse thoroughly clean. Continue to do this 2-3 times per week for year-round gorgeous skin.

2. Tomato Sugar Scrub: 

The edible tomato regarded as both fruit and vegetable is among the traditionally used staple in most dishes worldwide. Aside from food, every time a beauty compliment is offered tomatoes are often to match with. The vibrant juicy vegetable is advantageous in improving beauty. Exfoliating skin with tomatoes is efficient to promote healthy skin, inexpensive.

Tomato
Grounded sugar
Procedure:

Clean and wash tomato, and cut them thin.
Dip the tomato slice in the tray of sugar where all of the sugar granules sit down on the vegetable slice.


Now rub the sugar dipped tomato slice on your face and neck in circular motions. Allow the process be carried slowly and gradually and mildly without harming your skin. Continue exfoliating for 10 mins and wash out your face with plain water.One other way of preparing tomato sugar scrub would be to blend tomatoes to some fine puree. Add a descent quantity of sugar to your puree and stir them well. The remaining is the scrub with the prepared paste and rinse away after drying.

Benefits of Tomato sugar scrub:

Tomato sugar scrub is really a perfect remedy for eradicating dead cells and tanned skin which makes you seem dull and aged. It skims all of the harmed skin making skin clean and smooth.Together with removing dead cells, tomato scrub is the ideal facial scrub for soothing and comforting the skin dealing with all skin problems.

The top level of lycopene in the tomatoes which makes it bright red works well for improving skin complexion, act as sunscreen and brightens the dull skin. It helps delay ageing by aiding skin to absorb oxygen. Vitamin C, vitamin A and rich antioxidants shrinks the pore size cleansing them greatly thus preventing acne. The citrus content makes it an all natural bleaching agent which glows up, evens the skin color making soft to touch. 

Sugar would be the main scrubbing agent here. It will help in scrubbing the dead cells, cleanses and rejuvenates new skin cells. You can add tomato juice to any facial masks to recuperate and enhance lost beauty.

Beauty Tips: All-natural homemade face packs for dry sensitive skin

Lemon and milk face pack

Ingredients: Lemon, milk, turmeric

The natural bleaching qualities of lemon enhances the skin tone without pinching harshness and milk moisturizes the skin.Take one table spoon of lemon extract and add one table spoon of raw milk along with a pinch of turmeric powder into it. Apply the mixture throughout the face and leave it right until it dries. Clean it with cold water to discover glowing and fair skin.

Banana and curd face pack

Ingredients: Banana, Curd, One egg white

Please take a small banana and mash it in to even paste not having any lumps. Add this paste, one egg white and two table spoons of curd. Mix altogether and apply the pack to face, allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and clean it with plain water. This can be a good choice for the those people who are with sensitive skin and it draws glow to your skin.

Honey face pack

Ingredients : Honey, carrots

Cook a carrot and smash it, include a table spoon of honey to the paste. Wash the face and apply pack over it, allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes and thoroughly clean the face with the aid of a neat soft towel.

Beauty tips: Skin Cleansers Which Will Save Your Precious Skin

Cleansing milk items are facial cleansers that aren't as harsh to the skin as other facial cleansers or soaps. They can be mild and so are ideal for dry skin to normal skin as they clean your pores efficiently and don’t leave your skin layer feeling tight and dry. They moisturize the face leaving behind refreshed and soft skin. However girls with oily/combination and sensitive skin may use it too as cleansing milk is quite gentle on skin. There is a non-foaming formula which allows you to gently massage the skin, eliminate dirt and impurities, eliminate dead skin cells and uncover a radiant and fresh complexion. Here’s a best cleansing milk product easily obtainable in India

HIMALAYA HERBALS REFRESHING CLEANSING MILK:

The active ingredients within this himalaya cleanser are Jambira extracts (lemon), Draksha (Grapeseed oil), peppermint Satva. It's a best cleansing milk for daily use which includes a good creamy texture almost just like a moisturizing cream. It's a herbal cleanser that's mild and successfully removes make-up and dirt. It possesses a mild fragrance and actually leaves cooling effects on your skin due to the presence of menthol. It's travel friendly and cost-effective. It's an excellent make-up remover.

I'm making use of this cleansing milk mostly in the early morning time and for cleanse the makeup. After applying this cleansing milk I feel truly refreshed and my skin feels so soft and thoroughly clean. Right up until I don’t have any break outs or allergic reaction due to this product, well suits to sensitive skin too.

Eyeliner - Maybelline - Colossal Kajal Review

I have to admit that I just love this eyeliner - Colossal Kajal from Maybelline. I have listed out pros and cons below which will explain why I love this product.

PROS:
1. It’s black pigment is absolutely black.
2. It has a soft texture which is easy to put on. Slides real smooth and quick.
3. It is smudge free and lasts for hours.
4. At Rs. 150 it's a steal. Quite cheap for the quality.
7. It contains Vitamin E.

CONS: 
1. At the end of the day it requires a proper makeup remover or else it will not come off easily

That’s it. To sum up the review GO GET IT GIRLS, its worth it.

Ladies Alert: Be aware of the fake ones in the market. They looks exactly similar. How to spot the fake? Check the end of the pencil. The fake will have a flat surface, whereas the real one has a dent in it.

Home Remedies for Beautiful Underarms - Naturally Bleach Underarms at Home

You can try naturally available bleaching or whitening agents at your home. Potatoes, cucumbers and lemons are natural bleaching agents whose acidic, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties help lighten the dark under arms.

• Potatoes: Cut potatoes into thin slices and run on to the dark underarms. Or else make juice of potato and let it stay on underarms for 15 minutes. Once it’s dry, wash it off. 

• Cucumber: Similarly, cucumber juice can be applied on to the dark area. Let it dry for 15 minutes and rinse t off. 

• Lemon: Take a lemon slice and rub it on the underarms. Along with removing dead skin around your arms-pits, it's natural bleaching agent will lighten the skin. Keep it on your skin for 10-15 minutes and rinse it off.

Beauty Tip of the Day – How to get rid of dark circles naturally

Can natural and home remedies be used to get rid of dark circles under eyes? 

Yes, using the ingredients like teabags, cucumber, massage, potatoes, cold spoons, adequate sleep, avocado, lemon juice, etc. which are readily available dark circles can be controlled or can be removed. Following are 2 of the tried and tested home remedies to remove dark circles

• Extract the cucumber juice of around 3 grated cucumber pieces using a muslin cloth. Keep cotton balls or pads dipped in this juice for around 1 or 2 minutes. Place the cucumber juice soaked pads on your eyelids and around the darkened eye areas. Relax for 15 minutes. Repeat this for 2-3 days for best results.

• Tomato can also be used similarly. Take 1 tablespoon of tomato juice or pulp which is freshly made. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon lime juice and 1 teaspoon gram flour. Make a light, not so thick paste and apply over your eyes gently. Let it remain over your eyes for 15 minutes. Remove this paste with moist cotton pads or sponge. Repeat this alternate day for a week. A word of caution, tomato can dry out the very delicate under eye skin. Please avoid this home remedy if you have a dry skin.

Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturising Lip Balm

I really like lip balms and when Maybelline released their Baby Lips collection of lip balms products, I came to the realization I had to get those. I got this Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch from online shopping site eBay.

It's no more primary lip balm. Has SPF 20 It comes in 6 versions.

I have been using this Maybelline Lip balm for about 2 weeks and I am satisfied with this lip cream.

It's no more primary lip balm. Has SPF 20. I find the appearance of these lip products very lovely and shiny. It gives me a pop of shade but doesn't cover my lips with a wax-like top cover. It also contributes a little bit of glow on my lips. It has a spicey fragrance to it. The structure of the lip balm is not very dense and slides on fairly quickly. I get along with in just one swipe

Rating: 4/5 These are like regular lip products and nothing outstanding about it. But I like the appearance, the flavors and the shade that it gives. It moisturizes well and also provides sun protection.

I have been using this Maybelline Lip balm for about 2 weeks and I am satisfied with this lip cream.

Beauty Tip of the Day

Oats and lemon face pack:

Ingredients needed:

• 1 tablespoon of oats which is cooked and mashed (this helps reduce inflammation and heals skin)
• I tablespoon of lemon juice - lemon helps lighten skin tone. If you have sensitive skin… do not apply add the juice directly, dilute the lemon juice with water.

Method:

• Mix all of the above ingredients and apply on the face by lightly massaging
• Keep it for 20 minutes, let it dry
• Wash it with water and pat dry

This works well for Oily skin, I do not recommend if for Dry skin.

Beauty Tip of the Day

Some good money saving tips!

Body Scrub

"You don't have to spend money on pricey store-bought scrubs. Mix brown sugar and honey into a paste to buff your body smooth." —Makeup artist Kimara Ahnert

Smooth skin with Olive oil

"Use regular olive oil to get skin supersoft. Put a few drops on a cotton ball, and dab on flaky spots, avoiding any breakout zones. Then steam your face over a hot bowl of water to help it sink in." —Jennifer Buchina, director of Euphoria Spa, TriBeCa

Olay Age Protect Anti-Ageing Cream Review

I have been for many years was happy with Olay's moisturizers when I was a teen. We all know that, the best way to prevent wrinkles is to stay out of the sun and use a best SPF protection that suits your skin, healthy lifestyle and a good skin care regimen. However, probably because of too many catchy commercials and ads, I've started to get this need to use age defying stuff to try to prevent what is coming.

So I decided it’s about time I added an anti ageing product to my skin care regimen. I have liked Olay's products, so I decided to pick up Olay's Age Protect. 

So lets see what's the product claims: Olay Age Protect Anti-ageing cream claims lightens dark spots, reduces wrinkles, improves your skin tone.

Ingredients: Its formula contains Beta Hydroxy. 

Price: Rs. 125 for 18g

My experiences with Olay Age protect anti-ageing cream:

I used it as recommended, after one month of daily use, here is what I think: Olay Age Protect does work. But it's not magic; it doesn't reduce every wrinkle and age spot. But it makes your skin look BETTER than before, which is all we can really hope for, isn't it?

Pros:
1. This product absorbs fast and doesn't leave any greasy residue.

2. Skin tone did improve a little bit but not dramatically.

3. It did hydrate my skin very well.
4. Pores seem less obvious under my makeup. Good makeup base.
5. Reasonably priced for anti-aging range of products.

Cons:
1. I had some breakouts in my t-zone.

Recommendation:
Will recommend to those with normal to slightly dry skin.  But I won't advise those with acne-prone skin to use this.

Would I re-purchase?

No, it broke me out.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Beautiful Skin Starts Here - by Dove

Hey Ladies, Check out these tips...

These are simple tips to live by -

I believe the most important things anyone can do to maintain their health and have a great skin is to eat well... have loads of vegetables and fruits every day, exercise regularly,  get enough sleep - at least 8 hours and avoid smoking and alcohol. Along with all this, follow a skin care regimen :)

Himalaya PureHands Hand Sanitizer Review

We all know the importance of hand hygiene practices, proper hand washing plays an important role in reducing harmful germs. But there are times when there is no access to soap and water or not enough time to wash your hands thoroughly. Hand sanitizers were developed for use after washing hands or for those times when soap and water are not available

What the Himalaya PureHands Hand Sanitizer claims: Kills 99.9% of germs, this is what almost all hand sanitizers say.

Himalaya Pure Hands Hand Sanitizer

Ingredients:

• Hrivera (Coleus vettiveroides) Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum)
• Nimbuka (Citrus limon)
• Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
• Nimba (Azadirachta indica)

Flip top and swatch on my hand:

Flip top

Swatch

Price: 39/- for 50 ml

Directions to use: Squeeze coin-sized drop of the gel on your palms. Vigorously rub all sides of your hands with enough to get them wet, and rub them together until they are dry.

What I like about Himalaya PureHands Hand Sanitizer:

• It's convenient, portable, easy to use and not time consuming.
• Its alcohol free, a herbal product… check the ingredients list above
• It comes in handy when I want to sanitize my hands in between applying my makeup, good practice to touch your face with clean and sanitized hands
• It's soft on hands, contains ingredients that help prevent skin dryness
• Easily available everywhere
• Love the lemon fragrance

What I do not like about Himalaya PureHands Hand Sanitizer:
Nothing to point, I like everything about this product.

But want to conclude my post with this note: Hand sanitizers are not meant as a replacement for soap and water, but you can use it as a complementary habit. :)

Vicco Turmeric Skin Cream Review

Today, I'm going to review the Vicco turmeric skin care cream. As we all know, turmeric is widely used as a spice in Indian kitchen. It works as a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier and digestive system supporter. We also are aware of the ritual in traditional Indian wedding where Haldi (turmeric) is applied to bridegrooms, because the turmeric has health benefits of cleaning and toning skin, improving its color, increasing strength of the body etc.

Many women use it as packs or face masks on regular basis. Turmeric ointment, or a paste made from powdered turmeric can be used to treat cuts, scrapes, and skin conditions such as acne, diaper rash, and psoriasis. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

What the product claims:

Prevents and cures skin infections, inflammation, blemishes, wounds and other skin disorders. It soothes boils, pimples, acne and burns. It nourishes the skin, improves tonal value and makes it fair and beautiful.

Price: Rs. 83 for 30g

Ingredients: This product is formulation of 16% turmeric, 1.2% sandalwood oil in a non-grease base.

Why I purchased it?
I bought this from a recommendation of a friend of mine when I was in school. I started using this to reduce the scars I had got from pimples. Vicco turmeric has turmeric as its major ingredient; which was tempting to try this cream because of all medicinal values of turmeric.

How did I use it?
I used it at night. I would use a gentle cleanser, and I would apply this Turmeric cream at night. I did this for about two to three months. This is how it looks...

Pros:

• It was quite effective in reducing my pimple scars and making my skin tone even.
• It works well for me for minor skin infections, inflammation, blemishes, wounds etc.
• It has very soothing and cooling effect 
• Decent packagaing
• Only little cream is needed to cover full face
• Fits in my budget
• Easily available everywhere

Cons:

• The cream base may not be that good for very dry skin.
• I do not like the fragrance, it’s too strong for me 
• It gave me a yellowish tone , this may not be a con to some people
  
• Full ingredients list is not given on the pack

Would I recommend it?
Yes, I would recommend it to solve minor skin problems… its quite effective in reducing scars, blemishes and wounds. I wouldn't recommend it for dry skin.

Ratings: I would give 4.5 out 5... minus 0.5 for its strong smell :)

How to Lighten Dark Underarms: Home Remedies

I know how embarrassing it is to have dark underarms, nevermind the fact that you can not wear anything short sleeved or sleeveless.

Some of the causes of dark underarms could be 

• Friction of tight blouses and clothes that rub against the skin
• Excessive sweating can be the cause
• Infections caused by inadequate washing of the armpits
• Dead skin buildup
• Shaving
• Chemicals, alcohol and strong fragrance in deodorants

Home Remedies that you can try:

• Rub lemon slices on your armpits
• Use alum powder instead of deodorants
• After a shower rub some baking soda on your armpits
• Apply vitamin E oil on your armpits
• Try using sandalwood paste to fade the dark spots
• Potato is known to have natural bleaching properties. Apply thin sliced potato on the armpits daily and leave it for 15 minutes. This helps reduce pigmentation.
• Wash your armpits with coconut oil
• Make a paste using 1 tsp of lime juice, 1 tsp of cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply it on your armpits and rinse after 20 minutes. This is a very effective remedy for dark underarms and so you should use it at least four times a week
• Use anti-fungal powder instead of antiperspirants. Wear cotton clothes instead. Do not shave your underarms, instead wax them regularly. It will not only remove hair but also the dead skin

It is best to avoid hair removal creams completely as these creams contain harsh chemicals that are meant to literally melt your hair. These chemicals can also have an adverse effect on your skin and invariably cause darkening of the skin when used for extended periods.

Delicate & Precious Kundan Jewellery

I love to wear Indian traditional jewelery, especially the Kundan jewelery which is also called as Kundankari. This traditional jewelery type belongs to the Indian historical past, widely used by the royal households of Indians. Kundan jewelry is extensively used by younger generation nowadays... I think Ekta's Kapoor's daily soaps gave new life to this jewelery style :)

You can even make your own fancy Kundankari set at home. Will come up with a tutorial to make jewelery sets soon.

Till then check out these designs, aren't they beautiful...

The typical materials used in making kundan jewelry set are gold and silver, natural semiprecious and precious stones, such as rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds. You can also make use of fancy materials to design your own less expensive set. This style of jewelery suits well with Indian traditional attire.

Take a look at this amazing pink set

One more amazing design.... As you can here the entire technique of Kundankari lies in the skillful setting of gems and stones in gold.

 Set with pearls... This is really delicate and beautiful.

Nail Art: Simple Polka Dots Design

This is a simple 6 Polka dots design.This DIY art doesn't take much time and looks amazing. Let's see how we can achieve this look in simple steps....

Step 1:
Apply a base coat prior to nail polish application to prevent your nails from yellowing and chipping. And let it dry completely.

Step2:
Apply 2 coats of your favorite polish. I am using a matte pink polish shade from Elle18.

Step 3:
I made six dots in this pattern with White Nail Polish from Elle18. 

Step 5:
Making sure the nail art design is completely dry, top it with your favorite Top Coat.

You are ready with a cute and simple design.
 

Keep Smiling :)

Pond's Moisturising Cold Cream

This is a great product that has been used as a makeup remover from many of my friends and ladies around the world. 

Let's see what's the product claims. Feel the difference from the very first time you use it. It provides: 

• Vital Beauty Oils which penetrate deep to provide complete nourishment.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors which help retain essential moisture to prevent dry line.

It has: 10 skin nutrients + moisturizers

How to use:

Gently massage your face and neck in circular upward motions, twice a day. For best results, clean first with Pond Face Wash and follow with moisturizing Pond's Cold Cream.

Price: 53 Rs. for 55ml.

My Experience:

I began using this at first because my mom always had this jar of Pond's Cold Cream to clean and moisturize her face and neck with. I continued using this everyday, I believe it’s been over 6 years now, I'm not sure. Anyways, I really like this cold cream it’s inexpensive, it removes all of my makeup and it softens my skin.  Best of all, it doesn't cause my skin to breakout... which is really really important for me. Usually I apply it at night, leave it for 10 mins and wash off with water and it will leave my skin amazingly clean, smooth and soft. And it's very affordable and 1 jar lasts me a long time.

What I do not like about the Pond's cold cream:

• It has a strong smell, it's not bad but it's strong and I wish it didn’t have it. May be a personal preference, others may like it.
• It makes my face look shiny and kind of greasy.

Would I purchase it again: Yes. Regardless of the two reasons I gave above, I highly recommend Ponds cold cream.  But I do think you can you use it as your moisturizer; unless, you love a shiny face during the day. Also please do a patch test before using on to your face if you have a super sensitive skin as this product might clog your pores.

Lotus Whiteglow Scrub Review

Lotus is one among my favorite brands. Skin whitening creams or formulas have never attracted me much but I thought of trying this one from Lotus range just because I had read some good reviews and was tempting to try it out. I picked the White Glow Face scrub since my Himalaya Apricot scrub had just got over and here is the review.

Directions as given on the Product:
Gently apply the scrub on moistened skin with brisk circular movements on the face and neck. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Use twice a week for brighter and luminous skin. Follow with WHITEGLOW Yogurt Radiance Mask for best result.
 

Price: Rs 145 for 100g

Ingredients List:
DM, Water, Glyceryl Monostearate, Glycerine, Isopropyl Myristate, Ployethylene granules, Avena Sativa Meal (Oatmeal) powder, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Light Liquid Paraffin, Yogurt powder, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Alpha-Arbutin, Fragrance.

Swatch of Lotus Whiteglow Scrub

Pros of Lotus Whiteglow Scrub

• Active ingredients are all natural oatmeal and yogurt.
• Brightens the skin and gives a subtle glow which lasts for few days, removes dullness, dirt, impurities, whiteheads etc.
• I have sensitive skin, it didn't break me out.
• I like the oatmeal granules which is a change from the common apricot granules found in Himalaya Scrub I used to use.
• Product has a very mild and refreshing fragrance - I avoid strong fragrance.
• Price is quite reasonable.
• Easily available everywhere.

Cons of Lotus Whiteglow Scrub 

• Contains Parabens is definitely a downside I feel. 

Would I re-purchase: Yes, I will and am planning to try out few other products in the WHITEGLOW range as well.

My Rating would be: 4 out of 5

Baking Soda & Face Care

Who doesn't love a bargain? Who among us doesn't want to look as fabulous as possible without spending a fortune? I will share few tips which will help you save loads of time, money and of course your energy.

Today, will see how can we use baking soda in Face care. Baking soda is also called Sodium Bicarbonate or Bicarbonate of Soda. As we all know Baking soda is pure Sodium Bicarbonate, a naturally occurring white crystalline substance with a number of household uses.

Baking soda can do wonders for your face if used properly. Mainly you can use it as a rejuvenating Exfoliating Face Scrub to gently remove and slough-off all dead skin cells and promote new cell growth.

For Exfoliating: Add 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, and use as a gentle and exfoliating facial scrub. Rinse your face clean, don't leave it on your skin for long.

Facial Scrub: Mix baking soda with oatmeal in your blender; it makes a great facial scrub. You can use this paste to remove your blackheads effectively.

Shaving: Men with sensitive skin may find that a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup water makes a great pre-shave treatment or a soothing aftershave rinse.

Last word of Warning: Be careful not to get the paste in your eyes when applying to the face. If the skin becomes irritated, discontinue use of baking soda on your skin.

Detailed recipe for above mentioned tips will be posted in next post.